The 38-year-old mixed martial arts star, whose chilling nickname is Headhunter, will step back into the ring on March 7 following a 15-month lay-off.

Chapman, who originates from Guildford but is now living near his Fight Science gym in Aldershot, takes on Brett Cole in an eliminator for the Fusion British light-heavyweight title.

And coming hot on the heels of that one will be a clash against Ben Smith for the UCMMA world crown at London’s Troxy venue on May 2.

“I feel incredible, the time off has done me good and I’m coming back with a vengeance,” reported Chapman, whose last fight in December 2013 saw him beaten by Carl Kinslow.

“I feel so good this year and have made so much progress. There’s no chance these guys can win.”

Quizzed about Cole, who has four wins and three losses on his fight record, Chapman said: “He’s a big, strong, powerful dude, more of a grappler, so I’ll keep him standing and knock him out - that’s the game plan.”

And on Londoner Smith, a former heavyweight champion, he commented: “He’s strong but not as strong as me.”

So has he missed the action? He replied: “It’s in my bones and is my very essence. I’ve missed it massively but hadn’t realised just how much until I went back into serious training. It makes me feel alive.”

Looking ahead to his challenges, Chapman said he had called in experts to help him.

"The key is fitness, I need to be durable," he added.

“I’ve been training three to four hours a day five or six days a week.